City breaks to Europe are a popular choice for many, but an increasing number of Brits are seeking holidays that are affordable. 

One European city that’s been making waves recently due to its cost effectiveness and impressive attractions is Vilnius, Lithuania.

This year, Vilnius was shortlisted in the ‘Most Desirable City (Europe)’ category at the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards, as reported by tourism website Go Vilnius. Furthermore, Lithuania has secured second place on Lonely Planet’s list of top countries to visit in 2025.

So, what makes Vilnius so special?

For lovers of performing arts, the Lithuanian Opera and Ballet Theatre offers a dose of classical entertainment. The city also boasts a plethora of world-class attractions including the MO Museum, the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, Gate of Dawn, Vilnius Cathedral and more.

Gastronomy enthusiasts are also well catered for with a selection of top-tier restaurants showcasing the city’s culinary delights. This year marked a significant milestone for Vilnius’ food scene as it featured in the first MICHELIN Guide to Lithuania.

Four local restaurants – Nineteen18, Dziaugsmas, Demo and Pas mus – were each awarded a coveted MICHELIN star, shining a spotlight on the city’s thriving gastronomic landscape.

In addition to Sweet Root, three other Vilnius-based restaurants – 14 Horses, Le Travi, and Gaspar’s – were honoured by the esteemed guide. These establishments received The Bib Gourmand Award, a distinction given to eateries that serve exceptional food at reasonable prices.

Vilnius is also a city steeped in rich and intriguing history, beautifully preserved for all to see. Visitors should seize the opportunity to explore architectural gems such as Gediminas Castle Tower, the Gate of Dawn, Vilnius Cathedral, the Church of Saint Anne and Bernadine complex, among others.

According to experts, the Old Town architecture in Vilnius alone justifies the cost of a plane ticket.

The city’s stunning architecture is not only visually impressive but also easily accessible. Vilnius is a pedestrian-friendly city, allowing visitors to soak up its cultural and artistic splendour on foot, free from the hassle of traffic or transportation concerns.

Moreover, Vilnius offers excellent value for money. It was named the most affordable city in the Post Office Travel Money report on cheapest city breaks.

With several budget airlines offering flights to Vilnius and a wide array of reasonably priced accommodation options, planning a city break to Vilnius is a no-brainer. Don’t delay, book your trip to Vilnius today!